Question

what are the limitations and legal ramifications of the following forms of restraint: physical, chemical and psychological?

Answer 1

There are mainly three types of restraints.

1. Physical restraint:

Physical restraint is a mechanical device used to immobilize the client or restricts the normal movement of the person. It acts as a physical barrier to the body.

2. Chemical Restraint:

chemical restraint is the medication administered to restrict the behavior of the person. e.g Tranquilizers.

3. Psychological restraint:

It is the change of client's surroundings to control the movement.

Limitation and Legal ramifications:

To safeguard the patient and to avoid legal issues, the nurse should follow legal guidelines and limitations of restraints.

For Physical restraint:

• Follow organization restraint policies.
• Choose the correct type of restraint for the client.
• Identify and document the client's symptom for restraints such as restlessness, agitation, violence, and confusion.
• Apply restraints whenever necessary and after getting a physician's order.
• Get consent from family members to avoid legal issues.
• Frequently check the physical restraint properly to avoid injury to the client.
• Check for complications of pressure ulcer, constipation.

For chemical restraint:

• Administer drugs based on the behavior and mental illness.
• Explain to the family members and get proper consent.
• The amount of drug should not harm the patient health.
• Chemical restraint should give under the supervision and not for the convenience of the staff.
• Look for any side effects and complications such as pneumonia, urinary incontinence, nerve damage or circulatory impairment.
• Always check for any limitations in the treatment.
• Document the drug, dose, route, time as soon as possible after administration.

For Psychological restraint:

• Assess the client's status of frustration and anger.
• Always look for the patient's safety.
• Explain the family member the need for psychological restraint.
• Document the client's location and behavior of any substance abuse, sexual abuse, or violence.
• Frequently evaluate the client response and document it.
• Keep the patient nearer to the nurses' station room.
• Look for client experience of any fear, anger, loss of self-esteem.